Ethiopia’s health ministry is warning citizens across the country to take necessary precautions as the incidence of malaria may increase between March and May, following the spring rains.
Speaking at the 18th World Malaria Day in Ethiopia, State Minister of Health Dereje Duguma said the ongoing efforts to reduce malaria prevalence across the country is bearing fruits due to a multi-faceted response involving all stakeholders to work towards eliminating the disease.
Duguma highlighted that 75 percent of Ethiopia’s territory is conducive to malaria transmission, and 69 percent of the population is vulnerable, particularly during high-risk seasons: the harvest period from September to December (following the main rainy season) and from March to May (after the spring rains).
He called on citizens living in malaria prone areas to adopt preventive measures, urging health institutions to be prepared to offer appropriate medical services in anticipation of a potential rise in cases.
As part of control efforts during the past fiscal year, 2.2 million mosquito nets were distributed as planned. Additionally, door-to-door anti-malarial chemical spraying was conducted in 167 selected districts.
Ethiopia has recorded some 59 deaths this year as of February due to ongoing malaria and cholera outbreaks in different parts of the country, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The East African country recorded a total of 909,146 malaria cases and 34 deaths, as cases were reported in 1,173 districts across the country, the WHO said in the latest Ethiopia Health Cluster Bulletin report.
MG/as/APA